Spirits, Without the Bullshit - Gin
A Straight-Talking Guide to Gin, Tonic, and What’s Actually Worth Drinking
Gin has a reputation problem. Some people think it’s boring. Some think it’s floral and confusing. Others say they don’t like it — usually because their first G&T was bad.
This guide cuts through all of that.
No hype. No marketing fluff. Just a clear, honest look at what Gin is, how to drink it, and which bottles are actually worth your time.
What Is Gin, Really?
Gin is simple: Neutral spirit + juniper + botanicals. That’s it.
If you can’t taste juniper, it isn’t really gin — it’s vodka pretending to be interesting. Everything else (citrus, herbs, spice, floral notes) is what gives each gin its personality. When it’s done well, gin is balanced and expressive. When it’s done badly, it’s harsh or overly perfumed.
A Very Short History (The Useful Part)
Gin started as medicine. Then it became cheap, everywhere, and wildly overconsumed. The result was the infamous Gin Craze in 18th-century England — a time when gin was blamed for everything from crime to social collapse. Eventually, regulations improved quality, and gin found its footing again.
Today, we’re in a golden age of gin:
Better distillation
Better ingredients
More styles than ever
Which is great — if you know what to look for.
Styles of Gin
London Dry Not a location — a method. Juniper-forward, No added sugar, Clean and crisp. This is the backbone of most classic cocktails.
Old Tom - A lightly sweetened historical style. Softer than London Dry and ideal for drinks like the Tom Collins or Martinez.
Pink Gin - Once gin and angostura bitters, now usually fruit-flavoured gin. Some are great. Some are sugar bombs. Drink what you like — just know what you’re drinking.
Navy Strength / Gunpowder - Higher alcohol (around 57%). More flavour, more intensity, less forgiving. Best used in cocktails, not casual sipping.
What Actually Makes a Good Gin?
Forget the label. Good gin comes down to:
Balance
Clarity
Structure
How it drinks.
If it tastes good and makes you want another sip, it’s doing its job.
A Quick Word on Tonic (This Matters, Don’t Skip)
Here’s something most people don’t realize:
If you think you don’t like gin, you probably don’t like tonic.
Most of our first time trying gin was a friend handing you a G&T at some event when you said “just get me whatever you’re having” and at that point it was either a love or a hate for the stuff. Tonic contains Quinine, which is naturally bitter. Cheap tonic or too much of it can completely overpower the gin. That’s why so many people say: “I don’t like gin.” What they actually mean is: “I don’t like bitter tonic.”
A better approach:
Use less tonic,
Try soda instead,
Use lighter or low-quinine tonic
Let the gin do the work. A good G&T should be refreshing, not medicinal.
The Gins Worth Your Time
These are bottles we actually use and recommend — chosen for flavor, value, and versatility.
Overall Best
Tanqueray No. Ten - 1L – $68.25 | Discovery Wines & Spirits
Bright, citrus-forward, and perfectly balanced.
Works in everything from Martinis to G&Ts.
If someone says they don’t like gin, this is usually the bottle that changes their mind.
Everyday Workhorse
Beefeater London Dry Gin - 750mL – $33.00 | Goslings Limited
Classic, reliable, and built for cocktails.
If you’re stocking one everyday gin, this is it.
Best Premium
The Botanist Gin - 1L – $77.50 | Goslings Limited
Soft, floral, and beautifully balanced.
This is the one you pour when someone asks for “something nice.”
Best Budget Pick
Greenall’s London Dry - 750mL – $28.15 | The Tasting Room
Outstanding value.
Clean, simple, and perfect for cocktails.
Most Interesting
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin - 1L – $55.00 | Two Rock Wines
Bright citrus, tea botanicals, and a flavor profile that stands out without being weird.
One to Watch
Saigon Baigur Gin - 700ml – $62.00 | Discovery Wines & Spirits
Aromatic, modern, and built around Vietnamese botanicals. A great example of where gin is heading next.
How to Actually Drink Gin
Low ABV - Lemon & Honey Spritz. Light, refreshing, and easy.
Ingredients
30ml Gin (We recommend Beefeater)
15ml Lemon Juice (Use the fresh stuff, it's worth it, trust us.)
10ml Honey Syrup
Method: Build over ice in a wine glass, top with bubbles, stir gently,
Garnish: Lemon wheel
Tropical Gin Punch. Bright and fun without being sweet.
Ingredients
45ml Gin (We recommend the Drumshambo)
30ml Pineapple Juice
15ml Orange Juice
15ml Passionfruit Juice
10ml Lime Juice (Again, fresh is best.)
Splash of soda
Method: Build in your Cocktail Shaker, Strain into a Highball glass filled with ice, Top with soda water,
Garnish: 2 x Pineapple leaves.
The Martinez. Rich, smooth, and spirit-forward.
Ingredients
45ml Gin (We recommend Tanqueray No10)
30ml Sweet Vermouth
1 bar spoon Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Method: Build in a Mixing Glass, Stir (roughly 60 revolutions), Strain into a Nick & Nora Glass
Garnish: Lemon Zest
